“Pro active management of natural disasters”

[Guest guest]

Respected Trupti madam and netrumians,

Wish you all a very happy Merry Christmas.

India suffers heavily from natural disasters hitting the poorest of the poor and that is why the considerations of disaster safety deserve prime attention. According to one estimate, nearly 59 % of India's land area is prone to earthquakes of moderate to high hazard, nearly 12 % is flood prone, about 8% is cyclone prone, 2% is landslide prone and a long coastline is exposed to tsunamis and storm surges. Drought affects as much as 68% of India's land area. Of the 35 states and union territories, as many as 27 are disaster prone. And if the perceived threats due to other disasters such as chemical and terrorist attacks are added, every square inch of India is vulnerable, calling for immediate attention and sustained effort.

Any natural disaster gravely affects economy and loss of mankind. According to one World Bank estimate, reported direct losses are on the order of $ 30 billion over the past 35 years. In 2005 alone, disasters in India caused direct losses approaching Rs 87,500 crore.

Disturbed by the increasing frequency and fatal consequences of natural disasters, the Government of India set-up a High Powered Committee (HPC) on Disaster Management in august 1999. Its scope was enlarged in april 2000 to cover made disasters including chemical, industrial and nuclear disasters. The HPC in its october 2001 report suggested that a separate ministry of disaster management may be created in a phased manner with appropriate availability of advanced instruments to tackle the situation. HPC further recommended a Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management; an all party national council on disaster management, assisted by a working group. A National Institute of Disaster Management and a National Centre for Calamity Management were also recommended to assist in the operations of the Plans and procedures of the higher level bodies.

Thanks and regards,

Dr Deepali

JR 3,

Pharmacology dept,

GMC,Nagpur.